A – Ma Temple (Ma Kok Mui), Macao. A Historic Centre of Macau and UNESCO World Heritage site.
?COUPLE VS SINGLE?
Everyone has different expectations towards traveling as a couple,
Sometimes it is hidden behind the sweetlove during a romantic holiday,
Love blinded by the sweet floral scent of cherry blossoms,
Hidden in the river of warmth behind an awesome festival … toying with your emotions,
Bathing in the limelight of romantic love, but in actual reality a very costly one,
Oh you poor singles out there, sidelined from this limelight of the worlds wonderful feeling and vista’s of course…..
Calling all Singles out there! Do not let the notion of “romance and couple” stop you from experiencing these destinations!
The Destination: A – Ma Temple (Ma Gok Miu)媽閣廟 Māgé Miào Macau
If you think this is just another temple, then you couldn’t be more wrong, Built in 1488, the temple is one of the oldest in Macau and thought to be the where the settlement got its famous name from – Macao. Being one of the oldest temple and thought to be dedicated to the sea-goddess Mazu, today Macau has been designated sites of the Historic Centre of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.This is also the temple where many come to seek the blessings, including the locals and fishermen.
As you ascend upon the temple you will notice it’s silent and calm surroundings coupled with a spectacular view, as you enter you will begin to unravel the temple’s main parts. Carved in wood or shaped by stones with beautiful chinese architectural, you will encounter shí shī or stone lions which guards the pathways and the surroundings of the temple. Upon entering, you will reach the Hongren Hall by a winding path. A statue of Mazu the sea-goddess greets you, and it is believed that the hall has the longest history in the complex. The others would be Gate Pavilion, the Memorial Arch, the Prayer Hall, the Hall of Benevolence (the oldest part of the temple), the Hall of Guanyin is located at the highest point, Zhengjiao Chanlin – Buddhist Pavilion.
Mazu,is believed till today as the sacred sea-goddess who blesses the fishermen. It is said that the goddess was called Lin Mo, and that she was born in Putian City, Fujian Province, and was more intelligent than other children her age. She could predict good or ill luck and after her death she often helped merchants and fishermen ward off calamities and turn danger into safety. Now there are a number of folktales about the great goddess narrated in the littoral lands.
In the middle of the main entrance, there is a wizened looking prayer tree which is hundreds of years old. Known as “Husband and Wife Tree” by the Macanese. Many believers makes their wishes here. Although the name is husband and wife prayer tree, but not only prayers of love, relationship, marriage is wish upon, students pray for studies, others pray for careers, health and fortunes!!
? Recommendations to the singles out there:
1. Spot a couple standing side by side praying, walk towards them in a hurry and squeeze between them, then close your eyes and pretend to pray seeming the move is unintentional. XD
2. A-Ma Temple and the surrounding monuments there are popular spots for Wedding photography, well you can photobomb the couples shoot or cause some mischief to delay the photo shoot. XD
3. It does not matter if you are traveling alone, with family or friends, you can pray and wish the everyone around you have a real good ending to a 2017!! (Only this suggestion is truly recommended)
Everyday A – Temple receives many visitors who come to seek her blessings and explore her beauty.
You can write down your wishes and hang it under the “prayer tree”!
[caption id="attachment_118320" align="aligncenter" width="750"]
Do not only pray for your own, but also for friends and families!
